Broad Channel Bits

At times, the weather is absolutely glorious this time
of year. It is cooling off a bit, but still so comfortable. It's amazing that
September is almost
gone. That was fast, huh?

Cooler days mean the Annual Historical Day is upon us and it's time to trip down memory lane a bit as the history of Broad Channel unfolds through letters, documents, videos, postcards, photographs and written reminiscences.

The event will be held on Sunday, October 6 in the VFW Hall on Shad Creek road from noon till 5 p.m.

This year, there will be a display of the photography of the late Ed Clarity, who was a Broad Channel resident. Mr. Clarity was a prize winning staff photographer for the Daily News. He was on a photography team that won a Pulitzer Prize.

Local artists will display works with Broad Channel as the subject and their photographs and paintings will be available for purchase. Resident Dan Mundy began the work of the Historical Committee, which now has a large permanent collection housed at our library. Both Assemblywoman Audrey Pfeffer and NYS Senator Ada Smith have aided in the committee's efforts by securing grant money for its use.

Speaking of things historical--Historical Calendars for 2003 are on sale. On the cover is a great photo taken by resident Don Riepe. At only $5 each, they are invaluable to a coastal community like ours in that the calendar provides tide information. They are available at Coogan's, Channel Cutters, Grassy's,
O'Macs, civic meetings and from members of the Historical Society. Usually, they go pretty quickly.

CORRECTION: The Defensive Driving Course that the St. Virgilius PA is sponsoring costs $55, not $45 as originally listed in this column (and in the civic association newsletter!). The two-session course will be held on Tuesday and Thursday, October 15 and 17 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Participants can take up to 4 points off their license
with the completion of this course or get a 10 percent discount on auto
insurance premiums for three years (since the average insurance premium for a
new car with good coverage in NYC is about $1500 a year, the average saving is
$150 a year-at these figures the
course can more than pay for itself in savings in less than 6 months).

The course will be held in the school lunchroom and refreshments will be served. The entire fee of $55 is due by October 7. Call Helen 945-4648, Cindy 634-5449 or Linda 318-5835 to register.

On Saturday, September 28 the Seniors will see the Rockaway Theatre Company's presentation of Rockaway Café 02 at the Post Theatre at Fort Tilden. The show features music from the 50's and 60's. Senior admission is $7.

BCAC NEWS: On Sunday, September 29 the Junior and Senior Squad Cheerleaders, ages 5 to 14, will be going door to door in the Channel. The two squads purchased new home game uniforms and are looking for donations to help defray the cost.

Books and Bagels, the book discussion club will meet at
the Library on
Friday, October 4 at 10 a.m. Under discussion will be one of Anita Shreve's fiction novels, "Sea Glass."

Associated Press calls this dinner theatre "a hit!" Tony Soaprano's Comedy Retirement Party offers lots of fun and a good time--music, dancing, comedy and audience participation abound in this interactive parody of the extremely popular television series.

Join the night of fun on Friday, October 11 at 8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on the boulevard. Tickets for the adults only evening are $45 each and include dinner, show and set-ups. Buy tickets; reserve a table by calling Bernie 848-9048, Mary 917-748-1619 or Stacy 945-0732.

BUY A WHOLE TICKET; BUY A SHARE: St. Virgilius P.A. is sponsoring its annual $10,000 Big Giveaway. Only 400 tickets costing $100 each are available. Grand Prize is $10,000. There are 17 secondary prizes worth a total of $4200. On Sunday, October 20 at the North Channel Yacht Club the drawing and cocktail party will be held. For more information or to buy a ticket call Jill at 474-7881.

The Golden Age Club plans a day trip to "An Italian Wake" on Friday, November 1. Three handsome dance hosts will be available and the vocals of Angelo Uccello will fill the air. A one-hour open bar, with a four course meal featuring Italian dishes is included. The cost of $51 per person must be paid by October 24. Call Winnie at 474-2783 or Theresa at 634-7799.

A trip to the "Christmas Festival" at Pomona is planned
for Wednesday,
December 4 by the Golden Age Club. Coffee and Danish greet arrivals and a four-course dinner is served at noon. At 4 p.m. there is a carving board. There will be a visit from Santa, music and dancing. The cost of $51 per person must be paid by November 4. Call Winnie, 474-2783 or Theresa, 634-7799 for more information.